Shanghai Kilometer-Scale High-Temperature Superconducting Cable Project
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24160/0013-5380-2026-7-17-24Keywords:
high-temperature superconducting (HTS) kilometer-scale cable, cryogenic insulation, refrigeration system, duct laying, intermediate joint, криогенная изоляцияAbstract
High-temperature superconducting (HTS) cables, characterized by high critical current density and extremely low transmission losses, offer a promising solution ensuring high transmission capacity and reliable power supply in densely populated areas. The article considers the world's first 35 kV kilometer-scale demonstration HTS power cable project implemented in Shanghai. The project, with a total length of 1.2 km and a rated capacity of 133 MVA, replaces four circuits of conventional XLPE cables with a three-phase integrally wrapped HTS cable to supply power to a central urban district. The article details the system design, including a three-phase cryogenic-dielectric cable structure, specially developed terminations with segmented variable cross-section current leads, and a multicomponent redundant hybrid cryogenic system. The implementation of key milestones is detailed, such as full-length duct laying, on-site installation, and full-load operation testing. Three core technical breakthroughs are analyzed: the "pulling-transportation-feeding" synchronous control technology for damage-free laying along complex routes, a double-arc active compensation mechanism to manage the significant thermal contraction in intermediate joints, and a highly reliable hybrid cryogenic architecture combining the Stirling, reverse Brayton, and vacuum pumping systems. The successful commissioning and long-term stable operation of this project represent a major milestone in superconducting power transmission, thereby validating the technical and economic feasibility of kilometer-scale HTS cables and marking a significant step toward their large-scale commercial application.
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1. Jin Z.J. et al. Research Progress and Future Prospect of High-Temperature Superconducting Power Application Technology in Chi-na. – High Voltage Engineering, 2025, vol. 51, No. 8, pp. 4042–4059
2. Li W.Q. et al. Power Frequency Breakdown Characteristics of Low-Temperature Composite Insulation Materials for High-Temperature Superconducting Cables. – Wire & Cable, 2025, vol. 68, No. 9, pp. 32–39, DOI: 10.16105/j.dxdl.1672-6901.20250154/.
3. Faurskov J. Levelized Cost of Energy of Renewable Power Passing Through a Superconducting Cable. Frederiksborgvej: Technical University of Denmark, 2025, 72 p.
4. Kou S.M., Xu Z.X., Zhang X.Z. Research on Solving the Capacity Expansion Bottleneck of Shanghai Power Grid with High-Temperature Superconducting Cables. – Shanghai Energy Conservation, 2026, vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 329–334.
5. Zhang X.Z. Carbon Emission Analysis of Shanghai Kilometer-Scale High-Temperature Superconducting Cable Power Transmission Project. – Cryogenics and Superconductivity, 2022, vol. 50, No. 12, pp. 21–24, DOI: 10.16711/j.1001-7100.2022.12.004.
6. Huang C.Q. et al. Current Technical Status and Development Trend of China's Cable Industry. – Wire & Cable, 2024, vol. 67, No. 6, pp. 1–8, DOI: 10.16105/j.dxdl.1672-6901.202406001.
7. Hua X.Z., Wu Y.H., Qi C.H. Introduction of 35 kV Kilometer-Scale High-Temperature Superconducting Cable Demonstration Project in Shanghai. – Superconductivity, 2022, vol. 2, DOI: 10.1016/j.supcon.2022.100008.
8. Xie W. Key Technologies and Engineering Application of Long-Distance Superconducting Cable System. Shanghai: State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company, 2023.
9. Zhang X.Z., Zong X.H., Huang Y.J. Design Research on Shanghai Kilometer-Scale Superconducting Cable. – Cryogenics and Superconductivity, 2022, vol. 50, No. 6, pp. 35–41, DOI: 10.16711/j.1001-7100.2022.06.006.
10. Han Y.W., Zong M., Zong X.H. Shanghai 35 kV Kilometer-Scale High-Temperature Superconducting Cable Project. – Wire & Cable, 2025, vol. 68, No. 9, pp. 90–94, DOI: 10.16105/j.dxdl.1672-6901.20250133.
11. Yang Y.F. et al. Research on Energy Consumption Characteristics of 110 kV High-Temperature Superconducting Cables. – Chinese Journal of Low Temperature Physics, 2024, vol. 46, No. 2, pp. 111–119, DOI: 10.13380/j.ltpl.2024.02.005
12. Liu H.X., Zhang P.S., Fang J. Design and Analysis of Stress Cone Based on High-Temperature Superconducting Cable Terminal. – Cryogenics and Superconductivity, 2025, vol. 53, No. 7, pp. 12–16
13. Tao W.B. et al. Three-Phase AC High-Temperature Superconducting Cable Refrigeration System. – Wire & Cable, 2025, vol. 68, No. 9, pp. 77–82, DOI: 10.16105/j.dxdl.1672-6901.20250168.
14. Han Y., Zong X., Xie W. Cooling System for China's 35 kV/2.2 kA/1.2 km High-Temperature Superconducting Cable Achi-eves Two-Year Successful Operation. – Superconductivity, 2024, vol. 10, DOI: 10.1016/j.supcon.2024.100100.
15. Yu S.H. et al. Calculation of Relevant Material Parameters and Stress Analysis for Superconducting Cable Laying. – Proceedings of 2025 (3rd) Urban Power Grid Technology Innovation Conference, Professional Committee on Urban Power Grid, China Electric Power Technology Market Association, 2025, pp. 771–775.
16. Xu K. et al. Traction Construction of Kilometer-Scale 35 kV High-Temperature Superconducting Cables in Conventional Paths. – Building Construction, 2022, vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 572–575.
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18. Han Y.W., Huang C.Q., Zong X.H. Application Scenarios and Industrial Development of High-Temperature Superconducting Cables. – Strategic Study of CAE, 2024, vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 198–209, DOI: 10.15302/J-SSCAE-2024.04.023.
19. Zhang T.T. et al. Inspection Method of Welding Quality of Superconducting Pipes by Endoscope Equipment. – Proceedings of 2024 (2nd) Urban Power Grid Technology Innovation Conference, Professional Committee on Urban Power Grid, China Electric Power Technology Market Association, 2024, pp. 32–34.
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22. NB/T 11514-2024. National Energy Administration. Design Code for 35 kV and Below AC Superconducting Power Cable Lines. Beijing: China Planning Press, 2024.
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24. Yu X.X. A Review of the Development and Future Trends of Power Transmission Technologies in Electrical Engineering. – Electric Engineering, 2026, vol. 47, No. 5, pp. 13–18, DOI: 10.19768/j.cnki.dgj
